IPL: Dale Steyn wants paper note celebration 'trend' to stop now

Steyn did not directly name any cricketer, but his comments came after LSG pacer Akash Singh produced a note during his celebration after starring in a crucial seven-wicket win that severely damaged CSK's Playoff hopes in IPL 2026.

"Time to put the papers away. It ain't trending anymore. Actually, to be honest, never really was," Steyn wrote.

Akash, playing his first match of the season for Lucknow, made an immediate impression by dismissing CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in his very first over. The left-arm seamer later removed Sanju Samson and Urvil Patel to complete a three-wicket haul.

Following his third wicket, Akash pulled a paper note from his pocket which read: "#Akki on fire - Akash knows how to take wickets in T20 game." The gesture quickly gained traction among broadcasters and supporters online.

The celebration style first gained popularity during IPL 2025 when Abhishek Sharma displayed a note saying, "This one is for Orange Army," after scoring a century for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Punjab Kings.

Similar celebrations have since appeared throughout the current season, including one from Mumbai Indians spinner Raghu Sharma and another from Urvil Patel earlier this week. 

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